Seems there is a bunch of controversy about my switch

Post Reply New Topic

As of a few months ago I was a die-hard windows fan as you guys know. However as time went on while browsing through several linux distros and trying the then Beta of Ubuntu 9.04 that started to change.

Why you may ask? Well I tell you why. After awhile I started to noticed WIndows flaws. Most notably Microsoft's stubbornness to use Closed-Standards like with IE. Making doing anything productive on the computer a pain in the ass. Especially in the Scripting and Programming sector as well as Microsoft stripping down networking features and productivity to bare-bones basic. Like working with Ad-Hoc, Routers and so many other things. I also never liked all the Spyware, Driver and Registry issues that my Clientèle had. Even after getting rid of this crap somehow someway a lot of it came back. Oh and not to mention the fact is the only way to get rid of those issues completely was by Wiping the system clean and reinstalling everything. Taking a few hours a machine and wasting productive computer time. Also the fact that Microsoft makes you pay a royalty for a O.S that is easy on System Administrators, a network with over 10 computers as well as on servers.

However Linux is beginning to become my dream. Linux has the same Networking, Server and Admin features Windows Server has but for no price at all. Is very customizable when it comes to the user. (Windows gives you few customizations in theme in Keyboard usage and so on. Unless you pay for some 3rd Party program like WIndowBlinds.) Also you never have to wipe your O.S If a program or repository gives you a problem you get rid of it in Terminal. Also it is easy on the average user who doesn't know much. But without all the pain UAC puts you through in Vista. I also feel Linux gives you Full Server and Networking features. As well as the fact that it is the most stable OS I have ever used. Even XP needs reboots at least once a week and will give the BSOD every now or then. Also if you do ever have to reformat it only takes 15 minutes and saves all of your settings. Even during setup you can browse the net and so on.

It is staring the seem the only good out of Windows is that it comes with every PC and companies obey by their proprietary standards. Even then without glitches and the fact that your system will start hanging a lot and so on. As well as Windows 7 tablet PC and driver support with the manufacturers. Also my clientèle tell me that after recent converts to Ubuntu they stopped having so many issues. And the fact that there computer always works, is responsive and so on. And of course the simplicity of GNOME.

I have to say Linux has made my job far easier. I don't have to have 8 million Rewritable CDs and Flash Drives at someones house just to restore there system and all their settings. I don't have to stay at a clients house for 5 hours to do data recovery and rewipes and so on. Oh and all those dreaded Virus Scans, Defrags and them slow Add-Remove Programs quest. If a client has LInux I take nothing with me but maybe a CD or Two. One with the latest 32-Bit version of Ubuntu or other distro and one with the 64-Bit Version.

Oh and the steady updates and all the compatibility and ability to go by standards is superb. A new OS every 6 Months is great. As well as all the updates ironing out the OS everyday. Oh and so course the security.

Alright I'm done blabbing about my love for Open-Source. Now you know why I made the switch, If you like to say anything you can and you can also talk about why you love Open-Source or other types of software.

I think it was the surprise more than controversy.

You'll certainly be an asset to the community.

I agree with Fuzzy- it was just the shock. We're glad to have you on board, though.

Just wait until you discover rolling-release...


I like open-source because there is no corporation that controls my system and decides what I can and can't do. Since the code is open and publicly audited, I know there aren't any nasties lurking beneath, so I never have need to fear of anything like the Sony rootkit. There is also far more respect for the user's choice to customize and tweak and do what they want. Apple says "This is the best way to do things, and once you learn our way you'll love it too." Open-source projects say "Here's how we set the defaults, here's some examples of how other people like to set it up, and here's some instructions on how to do it completely differently if you're so inclined." And then the fact that open-source software is made by users, for users, whereas proprietary software is made by corporations, for customers. It results in a very different method of doing things.

Glad to see yu converted!

(We agree!)

I'm not die hard. I think 'intellectual property' and other such protectionism should be limited, because simply it is anti-innovation.

Even Google realises the potential of open source. They are a much better company as a result. There are some things that are never going to happen with out open source community.

I think work needs to be done interface wise to make Linux and others more accessible.

We are a bit stuck on WIMP. Just because it just about works for some doesn't mean it works for other and is the be an end all.